Barbarika
Hindu deity
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Barbarika (Barbarīka) in Hinduism is the son of Ghatotkacha and Princess Ahilawati or Maurvi. Ghatotkach is the son of Bhima and Hidimbi. Maurvi is the daughter of Daitya Moora (Army Chief of Demon King Narakasura) and Demoness Danavi.[1] Babarika is a folk hero and is not directly attested in the Mahabharata.
| Khatu Shyam | |
|---|---|
War, Sacrifice | |
 Barbarika worshipped as Khatushyamji in Khatu near Sikar as well as other places including Kota, Rajasthan | |
| Other names | Barbara , Khatu Naath |
| Abode | Mount Meru |
| Symbols | Bow, Arrow |
| Festivals | Khatu Shyam Jayanti |
| Parents | Ghatotkacha (father), Mauravi (mother) |
In Nepal, Kirati king Yalambar is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise, while natives of the Kathmandu Valley portray him as Akash Bhairav.[2]
In Rajasthan, Barbarika is worshipped as Khatu Shyam in Khatu Shyam Temple,[3] and in Gujarat, he is worshipped as Baliyadev.[4]
His legendary arrows
Barbarika/ Belarsen was a grandson of Bhima (second of the Pandava brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and Hidimbi. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother Ahilāvati, who was also known as Mauravi (daughter of Mura). The gods (ashtadeva) gave him the three infallible arrows.[5]